Jennifer Lawrence & Josh Hutcherson will return as Katniss and Peeta in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, marking a major revival of the iconic franchise.

A Blockbuster Reunion Fans Have Been Waiting For

December 11, 2025: Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are officially returning to the arena—this time for Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a new installment that reignites one of the most influential film franchises of the past decade. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the fandom, marking the long-awaited on-screen reunion of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

Returning to the World of Panem

The new film will adapt Suzanne Collins’ upcoming prequel novel, which explores the events surrounding the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell. While the novel focuses on past tributes, the film will frame the story through Katniss and Peeta reflecting on Panem’s history, allowing Lawrence and Hutcherson to reprise their iconic roles in a present-day narrative thread.

HOLR has the latest news on how this creative approach bridges eras of the franchise.

Lawrence and Hutcherson Reunite Onscreen

This marks the first time the pair will appear together in a Hunger Games film since 2015. Their chemistry and emotional performances helped define the franchise, making this reunion a major draw for audiences. Both actors have expressed gratitude for returning to characters who shaped their careers in profound ways.

Insiders say the film will lean into their emotional maturity, offering a new layer to the beloved characters.

A Fresh Take on a Fateful Reaping

While earlier prequels explored the origins of Panem’s brutal regime, Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the dark heart of the Games from a new angle. The Second Quarter Quell was one of the deadliest in the series’ lore, and the film is expected to blend historical storytelling with present-day reflection as Katniss and Peeta confront the lingering trauma of their own experiences.

Franchise Revival Comes at a Peak Moment

With renewed interest in dystopian storytelling and the success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lionsgate is positioning Sunrise on the Reaping as a cornerstone release in its expanding Panem universe. The film aims to honor the tone of the original series while offering a fresh perspective for longtime fans and new audiences.

What to Expect From the Film

Early reports suggest:

a darker, politically charged tone

expanded world-building beyond District 12

emotional scenes highlighting Katniss and Peeta’s post-war lives

callbacks to beloved moments from the original films

The narrative structure is rumored to intertwine past and present, adding depth to longstanding franchise mythology.

A Cultural Phenomenon Reawakens

The Hunger Games franchise has remained a cultural touchstone for more than a decade. The announcement of Lawrence and Hutcherson’s return signals a new era for Panem—one that blends nostalgia, legacy, and reinvention.